Earlier this February, Uncle Bens Rice product was recalled after there were a number of cases of illness. It appears that the issue was that the product had excessive niacin addition. "The FDA said overexposure to niacin can cause skin reactions, and very large doses can cause indigestion and nausea."
There are a number of chemicals that are added to food that can become hazards if these chemicals are not added in the right concentrations, including vitamins and minerals.
Along with Niacin (Vitamin B3), other vitamins that can be problematic from over addition include Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E. Certain minerals such as iron and zinc can also be a problem if there is excessive intake.
Over dosage can be a problem with gummy vitamins, where kids treat the vitamins like candy.
For food processing operations who add chemicals such as vitamins and minerals, it is important to include this in the hazard analysis. One needs to evaluate whether a chemical hazard could occur through over addition.
CBS News
Feds warn against eating some Uncle Ben's rice
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/feds-warn-against-eating-some-uncle-bens-rice/
WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration is warning against eating Uncle Ben's rice products served at schools, restaurants, hospitals and other food service institutions after children in three states had skin reactions and other symptoms that were linked to the rice.
Mars Foodservices, of Rancho Dominguez, Calif., is recalling 5- and 25-pound bags of the rice. The bags are mostly sold to food service establishments, but they are also available to consumers over the Internet and in some warehouse-type retailers.
Uncle Ben's ready-to-eat, boxed, bagged and cup products in grocery stores are not linked to the illnesses and have not been recalled.
The FDA said 34 students and four teachers in Katy, Texas, had experienced burning, itching rashes, headaches and nausea for 30 to 90 minutes after eating the rice on Feb. 6. The symptoms eventually went away.
The agency said it is still investigating the Texas incident. But FDA officials said they found an excess of niacin, also known as vitamin B3, in Uncle Ben's food service rice linked to similar reactions in 25 Illinois school children in December. That incident also prompted a recall, but the Texas illnesses were not related to those previously recalled lots.
The FDA said overexposure to niacin can cause skin reactions, and very large doses can cause indigestion and nausea. Children may be most susceptible, but the agency said the levels of niacin found in the Illinois rice samples probably were not high enough to cause serious health consequences.
News updates and commentary focusing on food safety and quality topics that are impactful to the food industry.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Food Workers Likely to Work When Sick
A recent study reports that many Americans will go to work while they are sick, unfortunately, many of those may be people who work with food.
Therefore, it is important that food workers, as well as their managers, understand the risks. Companies who work with food, whether they are food service, retail, or processing, need to have strict guidelines on how to handle sick workers. FDA provides a Health and Hygiene Handbook for food employees.
Therefore, it is important that food workers, as well as their managers, understand the risks. Companies who work with food, whether they are food service, retail, or processing, need to have strict guidelines on how to handle sick workers. FDA provides a Health and Hygiene Handbook for food employees.
LA Times
More than 1 in 4 Americans go to work while sick
By Shan Li
February 20, 2014, 11:56 a.m.
More than one in four Americans are so afraid of missing work that they head into the office even when sniffling and sneezing, a study says.
Many are worried about falling behind on their jobs, missing pay or facing the wrath of bosses who expect them to show up no matter what, according to a survey by NSF International, which tests and certifies public health products.
Michigan Farmer Sentenced for Selling Contaminated Apple Juice
A Michigan farmer was convicted for selling adulterated apple cider. In 2012, this farmer's juice was linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7, where 4 individuals became ill, two of those were children.
E. coli O157:H7 contamination in juice is the primary reason that HACCP regulations were enacted over 10 years ago. The Food Code details the requirements for the need of a HACCP plan. In complying, one would need to have a pathogen reduction step if they were going to sell bottled juice. This could be a heating step or a UV light treatment. See Penn State's Juice Resources for more information.
E. coli, a enteric pathogen associated with ruminant animals such as cows and deer, can contaminate apples through cross-contamination, especially when 'drop' apples are used (apples that are harvested after they have fallen to the ground.) E.coli O157:H7 is tolerant to the acidic conditions, and so can survive in apple juice.
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development News Release
Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth Receives First-Ever Felony Conviction Under Michigan's Food Law
Agency: Agriculture and Rural Development
http://michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1572_28248-322547--,00.html
For immediate release: February 21, 2014
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724 or holtonj@michigan.gov
Cider Producer Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth Receives First-Ever Felony Conviction Under Michigan’s Food Law
After nearly two years of investigation and legal action, James Ruster, owner of Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth, was sentenced on February 18, 2014, for one felony violation of Michigan’s Food Law, the first-ever felony conviction under this law.
E. coli O157:H7 contamination in juice is the primary reason that HACCP regulations were enacted over 10 years ago. The Food Code details the requirements for the need of a HACCP plan. In complying, one would need to have a pathogen reduction step if they were going to sell bottled juice. This could be a heating step or a UV light treatment. See Penn State's Juice Resources for more information.
E. coli, a enteric pathogen associated with ruminant animals such as cows and deer, can contaminate apples through cross-contamination, especially when 'drop' apples are used (apples that are harvested after they have fallen to the ground.) E.coli O157:H7 is tolerant to the acidic conditions, and so can survive in apple juice.
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development News Release
Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth Receives First-Ever Felony Conviction Under Michigan's Food Law
Agency: Agriculture and Rural Development
http://michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1572_28248-322547--,00.html
For immediate release: February 21, 2014
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724 or holtonj@michigan.gov
Cider Producer Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth Receives First-Ever Felony Conviction Under Michigan’s Food Law
After nearly two years of investigation and legal action, James Ruster, owner of Mitchell Hill Farm in Ellsworth, was sentenced on February 18, 2014, for one felony violation of Michigan’s Food Law, the first-ever felony conviction under this law.
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Soft Cheese
UPDATE - 2/25/14 - Roos Foods has expanded their recall.
Soft cheese made by a Delaware company has been linked to a Listeria outbreak, with one death and seven ill. Product tested by VA Department of Agriculture was found to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company is recalling a variety of their cheeses.
Listeria monocytogenes has been related to other outbreaks in soft cheese. This organism is more likely to cause illness in those from high risk groups, such as elderly, infants and young children, and pregnant women. Once infected, the illness can be very serious, leading to septicemia (blood infection) and meningitis, and even death.
Roos Foods is a small family owned processor located in rural Kenton DE. From the company website, the facility appears to be small. They focus on producing South American type of cheeses.
EXPANDED - Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 25, 2014 - Update: Roos Foods has voluntarily expanded their February 23, 2014 recall to include all lots of Amigo and Mexicana brands of Requesón (part-skim ricotta in 15 oz. and 16 oz. plastic containers and all lots of Amigo, Mexicana and Santa Rosa De Lima brands of Queso de Huerta (fresh curd cheese).
Roos Foods, Kenton De Recalls ALL LOTS of the Following Cheeses:
Mexicana: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Amigo: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Santa Rosa De Lima: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses and Anita Queso Fresco Because Of Possible Health Risk.
Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is recalling the above cheeses because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Products were distributed in Maryland, Virginia and Washing ton D.C through retail stores.
The products are packaged in flexible plastic bags and rigid plastic clam shell packages in 12 oz. and 16 oz. sizes under the brand names: Mexicana, Amigo, Santa Rosa De Lima, and Anita.
As a follow-up to reported illness, samples of various intact/unopened cheeses produced or repacked by Roos Foods, Inc., collected by the Commonwealth of Virginia Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services and Maryland Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene found to contain Listeria monocytogenes which appear to be linked to the illnesses.
The company has ceased the production and distribution of the products as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
Customers should destroy all lots of the above listed products of the brand names Mexicana, Amigo, Santa Rosa De Lima and Anita. For any refund, please return recalled products to store.
If you have any further questions please contact Virginia Mejia phone number (302) 653-8458. Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 3 pm EST.
FDA News Release
Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk
Roos Foods, Kenton De Recalls ALL LOTS of the Following Cheeses Mexicana: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Amigo: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Santa Rosa De Lima: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses and Anita Queso Fresco Because Of Possible Health Risk
Contact
Media:
Virginia Mejia
302-653-8458
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 23, 2014 – Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is recalling the above cheeses because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Soft cheese made by a Delaware company has been linked to a Listeria outbreak, with one death and seven ill. Product tested by VA Department of Agriculture was found to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company is recalling a variety of their cheeses.
Listeria monocytogenes has been related to other outbreaks in soft cheese. This organism is more likely to cause illness in those from high risk groups, such as elderly, infants and young children, and pregnant women. Once infected, the illness can be very serious, leading to septicemia (blood infection) and meningitis, and even death.
Roos Foods is a small family owned processor located in rural Kenton DE. From the company website, the facility appears to be small. They focus on producing South American type of cheeses.
EXPANDED - Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 25, 2014 - Update: Roos Foods has voluntarily expanded their February 23, 2014 recall to include all lots of Amigo and Mexicana brands of Requesón (part-skim ricotta in 15 oz. and 16 oz. plastic containers and all lots of Amigo, Mexicana and Santa Rosa De Lima brands of Queso de Huerta (fresh curd cheese).
Roos Foods, Kenton De Recalls ALL LOTS of the Following Cheeses:
Mexicana: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Amigo: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Santa Rosa De Lima: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses and Anita Queso Fresco Because Of Possible Health Risk.
Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is recalling the above cheeses because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Products were distributed in Maryland, Virginia and Washing ton D.C through retail stores.
The products are packaged in flexible plastic bags and rigid plastic clam shell packages in 12 oz. and 16 oz. sizes under the brand names: Mexicana, Amigo, Santa Rosa De Lima, and Anita.
As a follow-up to reported illness, samples of various intact/unopened cheeses produced or repacked by Roos Foods, Inc., collected by the Commonwealth of Virginia Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services and Maryland Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene found to contain Listeria monocytogenes which appear to be linked to the illnesses.
The company has ceased the production and distribution of the products as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
Customers should destroy all lots of the above listed products of the brand names Mexicana, Amigo, Santa Rosa De Lima and Anita. For any refund, please return recalled products to store.
If you have any further questions please contact Virginia Mejia phone number (302) 653-8458. Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 3 pm EST.
FDA News Release
Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk
Roos Foods, Kenton De Recalls ALL LOTS of the Following Cheeses Mexicana: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Amigo: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Santa Rosa De Lima: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses and Anita Queso Fresco Because Of Possible Health Risk
Contact
Media:
Virginia Mejia
302-653-8458
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 23, 2014 – Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is recalling the above cheeses because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Rancho Meat recall leading to a cascade of recalls?
In light of the recall of meat produced by Rancho Feeding Corp, now comes the recalls of the products that were made with the meat from that facility. Nestle is recalling 2 brands of Hot Pockets. In Canada, beef and cheese taquitos were recalled (they were manufactured by a Californian processor).
One has to hope that these downstream recalls are tied to a real safety issue. To date, we have not seen any statement issued from USDA outside of the fact that the meat was produced without inspection. While that should not have happened, it is unclear at this point whether any product is actually harmful.
As for highly processed foods like Hot Pockets, heat treatment of the filling would have eliminated most all hazards, especially those of most concern, pathogens such as E. coli STEC and Salmonella. (What? Hot Pockets are highly processed?)
CNN
USDA closes school lunch supplier; some Hot Pockets recalled
By Ed Payne and Chandler Friedman, CNN
updated 3:30 PM EST, Wed February 19, 2014
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/health/hot-pockets-recall/
CNN) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has withdrawn its inspectors and suspended operations at a California meat company because of "insanitary conditions at the establishment," the department's Food Safety and Inspection Service said Wednesday.
The Central Valley Meat Co. in Hanford, California, supplies beef for federal school nutrition programs. In 2011, it provided nearly 21 million pounds of beef, or nearly 16% of the supply.
"The plant's suspension will be lifted once we receive adequate assurances of corrective action," a USDA statement said.
Meanwhile, Nestlé USA has issued a recall of two varieties of Philly Steak and Cheese Hot Pockets because they may contain meat the department has already recalled.
The two brands are Hot Pockets brand Philly Steak and Cheese in three different pack sizes, and Hot Pockets brand Croissant Crust Philly Steak and Cheese in the two-pack box.
For the exact batch code, please check this release.
Earlier, the USDA had recalled more than 8.7 million pounds of meat from the Rancho Feeding Corp. because it "processed diseased and unsound animals and carried out these activities without the benefit or full benefit of federal inspection."
No illnesses have been reported in relation to the recall.
One has to hope that these downstream recalls are tied to a real safety issue. To date, we have not seen any statement issued from USDA outside of the fact that the meat was produced without inspection. While that should not have happened, it is unclear at this point whether any product is actually harmful.
As for highly processed foods like Hot Pockets, heat treatment of the filling would have eliminated most all hazards, especially those of most concern, pathogens such as E. coli STEC and Salmonella. (What? Hot Pockets are highly processed?)
CNN
USDA closes school lunch supplier; some Hot Pockets recalled
By Ed Payne and Chandler Friedman, CNN
updated 3:30 PM EST, Wed February 19, 2014
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/health/hot-pockets-recall/
CNN) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has withdrawn its inspectors and suspended operations at a California meat company because of "insanitary conditions at the establishment," the department's Food Safety and Inspection Service said Wednesday.
The Central Valley Meat Co. in Hanford, California, supplies beef for federal school nutrition programs. In 2011, it provided nearly 21 million pounds of beef, or nearly 16% of the supply.
"The plant's suspension will be lifted once we receive adequate assurances of corrective action," a USDA statement said.
Meanwhile, Nestlé USA has issued a recall of two varieties of Philly Steak and Cheese Hot Pockets because they may contain meat the department has already recalled.
The two brands are Hot Pockets brand Philly Steak and Cheese in three different pack sizes, and Hot Pockets brand Croissant Crust Philly Steak and Cheese in the two-pack box.
For the exact batch code, please check this release.
Earlier, the USDA had recalled more than 8.7 million pounds of meat from the Rancho Feeding Corp. because it "processed diseased and unsound animals and carried out these activities without the benefit or full benefit of federal inspection."
No illnesses have been reported in relation to the recall.
Washington State firm recalls dried egg product due to the potential for Salmonella contamination
A Washington State company, Nutriom, is recalling 226,710 pounds of processed egg products due to potential salmonella contamination. The issue was discovered by Washington State Laboratories. To date, there have been no illnesses reported.
A processed egg product should not have Salmonella. Why no illnesses? For one, the contamination rate may be very low. From the report, we cannot tell to what degree the product was contaminated. Second, the eggs were probably used in applications that required further heating.
A processed egg product should not have Salmonella. Why no illnesses? For one, the contamination rate may be very low. From the report, we cannot tell to what degree the product was contaminated. Second, the eggs were probably used in applications that required further heating.
USDA News Release
Washington Firm Recalls Dried Egg Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Class I Recall 015-2014
Health Risk: High Feb 15, 2014
Congressional and Public Affairs
Joan Lindenberger
(202) 720-9113
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2014 – Nutriom LLC, a Lacey, Wash., establishment, is recalling approximately 226,710 pounds of processed egg products that may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Meat Plant Coming to a Town Close to You, Maybe Not
Why do we get our food from overseas? A proposal to put a meat plant in a small town in NY has come under fire from critics. Some of the questions posed are valid, but others worry about the potential smell. Putting the address into Google Maps, I noted that the potential site is on the
outskirts of town, in a mostly industrial area.
So we all want more jobs and we want to buy local food, but there can’t be any negatives that affect anybody.
outskirts of town, in a mostly industrial area.
So we all want more jobs and we want to buy local food, but there can’t be any negatives that affect anybody.
Meat packaging plant could be coming to East Dominick Street
Published: Wednesday, February 12, 2014
ROME – East Dominick Street may soon be home to a new meat packaging plant. First ward councilperson Lori Trifeletti and many city officials have been working diligently on this project.
The plant, which has been proposed to the city by Tino Marcoccia, a developer from Syracuse, is still in the preliminary stages.
“Nothing will be moving forward until we have a business plan,” Trifeletti said.
Marcoccia did estimate that the plant could create as many as 250 new jobs. The jobs will vary in pay rate from minimum wage to around $30 an hour. Trifeletti added that there will be two USDA inspectors and veterinarians on site at all times.
The proposed plant was already brought before the zoning board in January, but was voted down 3-2. Trifeletti said that it will go before the board again in March.
The plant, which has been proposed to the city by Tino Marcoccia, a developer from Syracuse, is still in the preliminary stages.
“Nothing will be moving forward until we have a business plan,” Trifeletti said.
Marcoccia did estimate that the plant could create as many as 250 new jobs. The jobs will vary in pay rate from minimum wage to around $30 an hour. Trifeletti added that there will be two USDA inspectors and veterinarians on site at all times.
The proposed plant was already brought before the zoning board in January, but was voted down 3-2. Trifeletti said that it will go before the board again in March.
Salmonella as an Adulterant in Raw Poultry
In October, Foster Farms poultry was linked to an outbreak of Salmonella but never recalled the product. Many were outraged that Foster Farms did not recall the product, although Costco did recall cooked chicken product where the Foster Farm poultry was used.
Dr. Mel Kramer reviews (below) why Foster Farms did not recall product. It hinges on the fact that Salmonella is not viewed (currently) as an adulterant. This is because it naturally has the potential to be present on the raw poultry.
In another article, Dr. Nelson Cox discusses Zero Tolerance of Salmonella in Poultry. Along the same lines, but viewed from an international trade standpoint. There are those that argue that some European countries have gone a long way at reducing Salmonella in poultry, but as Dr. Cox points out, this may be difficult from an economic standpoint. And even if we did reduce it, I believe we would still need to assume that there is still the risk that it is present.
Raw Poultry: Legal History, Public Policy, and Consumer Behavior
By Dr. Mel Kramer |
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, “as of January 15, 2014, a total of 430 persons infected with seven outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 23 states and Puerto Rico.” In response to the news, the popular media, the technical and professional public health and consumer publications, including the blogosphere, have weighed in with opinions.
The question is whether or not the poultry producer should have voluntary recalled the raw chicken, which, based on epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by local, state, and federal officials, indicated that “consumption of Foster Farms brand chicken is the likely source of this outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections.” This question is not only multi-faceted, but has a rich history from a public health, public policy and legal perspective dating back to the early 1970s.
Dr. Mel Kramer reviews (below) why Foster Farms did not recall product. It hinges on the fact that Salmonella is not viewed (currently) as an adulterant. This is because it naturally has the potential to be present on the raw poultry.
In another article, Dr. Nelson Cox discusses Zero Tolerance of Salmonella in Poultry. Along the same lines, but viewed from an international trade standpoint. There are those that argue that some European countries have gone a long way at reducing Salmonella in poultry, but as Dr. Cox points out, this may be difficult from an economic standpoint. And even if we did reduce it, I believe we would still need to assume that there is still the risk that it is present.
Raw Poultry: Legal History, Public Policy, and Consumer Behavior
By Dr. Mel Kramer |
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, “as of January 15, 2014, a total of 430 persons infected with seven outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 23 states and Puerto Rico.” In response to the news, the popular media, the technical and professional public health and consumer publications, including the blogosphere, have weighed in with opinions.
The question is whether or not the poultry producer should have voluntary recalled the raw chicken, which, based on epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by local, state, and federal officials, indicated that “consumption of Foster Farms brand chicken is the likely source of this outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections.” This question is not only multi-faceted, but has a rich history from a public health, public policy and legal perspective dating back to the early 1970s.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
California company recalls meat that was produced without inspection
A California meat processor is recalling meat after a USDA investigation found that the company had processed meat without inspection. A second investigation was conducted. USDA indicated that the meat was “unsound, unwholesome or otherwise are unfit for human food”. The company is recalling all the meat produced in 2013, which is a reported 8.7 million pounds. The company has ceased operations and many local ranchers fear that the processing facility will go out of business, forcing them to find other ways of handling their cattle.
Update: Second investigation launched into Rancho Feeding Corp.
By ROBERT DIGITALE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
http://www.petaluma360.com/article/20140211/COMMUNITY/140219907/-1/community?p=1&tc=pg
Published: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 4:50 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 4:50 p.m.
A second office within the US Department of Agriculture has begun investigating a Petaluma slaughterhouse that has temporarily ceased operations while recalling a year's worth of processed beef, the agency reported Tuesday.
“USDA's Office of the Inspector General is conducting an ongoing investigation into Rancho Feeding Corporation,” said a statement released Tuesday by the agency's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The statement noted that the administrator over the inspection service had separately “directed an immediate and thorough examination of the firm's practices, procedures and management.”
The 39-word statement was the most detailed to date on the agency's investigation of the North Bay's last remaining beef processing facility.
On Saturday the USDA announced that Rancho had initiated a recall of 8.7 million pounds of beef, essentially all the meat the company had processed in 2013.
In its news release, the agency asserted that Rancho “processed diseased and unsound animals” without a full inspection. The meat products are “unsound, unwholesome or otherwise are unfit for human food” and must be removed from commerce.
There are no reports of anyone becoming ill after eating the beef.
Robert Singleton, who owns Rancho with partner Jesse “Babe” Amaral, on Monday confirmed the company had voluntarily ceased processing and was compiling a list of affected companies. Singleton said the company undertook the recall out of “an abundance of caution” but declined comment on the government's allegations.
Other than the news release Saturday and the statement on Tuesday, officials with the US Department of Agriculture have declined to elaborate on the underlying reasons for the recall or the breadth of their investigation.
The recall affects all beef processed at Rancho between Jan. 1, 2013, and Jan. 7, 2014, a USDA spokesman said. The carcasses and other parts, commonly referred to as offal, were shipped to retailers and distributors in California, Florida, Illinois and Texas.
Last month the USDA announced that Rancho was recalling 41,683 pounds of meat produced on Jan. 8. The agency asserted that the meat didn't receive a full federal inspection.
You can reach Staff Writer Robert Digitale at 521-5285 or robert.digitale@pressdemocrat.com.
FOOD BUSINESS NEWS
http://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/news_home/Food_Safety_News/2014/02/California_meat_processor_reca.aspx?ID={39E6BB5C-DD5F-4312-8CB2-0F1768DF1FA3}
PETALUMA, CALIF. — Rancho Feeding Corp., a small California meat processor, is recalling all beef products processed between Jan. 1, 2013, to Jan. 7, 2014. The total amount is estimated to be in the range of 8.7 million lbs of product.
The recalled products were distributed to California, Florida, Illinois and Texas.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said the recall was initiated because an investigation discovered the beef was processed without “the full benefit” federal inspection. Meat and poultry products that are shipped across state lines in the U.S. must be produced under federal inspection.
On Jan. 13, Rancho Feeding Corp. initiated a recall of 41,000 lbs of meat products that were produced without federal inspection on Jan. 8. A subsequent investigation by the F.S.I.S. revealed the issue to be much larger.
No illnesses have been associated with the recalled products, according to the F.S.I.S.
USDA News Relase
California Firm Recalls Unwholesome Meat Products Produced Without the Benefit of Full Inspection
Class I Recall 013-2014 (UPDATE)
Health Risk: High Feb 18, 2014
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2014 – Rancho Feeding Corporation, a Petaluma, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 8,742,700 pounds, because it processed diseased and unsound animals and carried out these activities without the benefit or full benefit of federal inspection. Thus, the products are adulterated, because they are unsound, unwholesome or otherwise are unfit for human food and must be removed from commerce, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The following Rancho Feeding Corporation products are subject to recall:
- Beef Carcasses” (wholesale and custom sales only)
- 2 per box "Beef (Market) Heads" (retail only)
- 4-gallons per box "Beef Blood" (wholesale only)
- 20-lb. boxes of “Beef Oxtail”
- 30-lb. boxes of “Beef Cheeks”
- 30-lb. boxes of " Beef Lips"
- 30-lb. boxes of "Beef Omasum"
- 30-lb. boxes of "Beef Tripas"
- 30-lb. boxes of "Mountain Oysters"
- 30-lb. boxes of "Sweet Breads”
- 30- and 60-lb. boxes of “Beef Liver”
- 30- and 60-lb. boxes of “Beef Tripe”
- 30- and 60-lb. boxes of “Beef Tongue”
- 30- and 60-lb. boxes of "Veal Cuts"\
- 40-lb. boxes of "Veal Bones"
- 50-lb. boxes of “Beef Feet”
- 50-lb. boxes of “Beef Hearts”
- 60-lb. boxes of "Veal Trim"
Beef carcasses and boxes bear the establishment number "EST. 527" inside the USDA mark of inspection. Each box bears the case code number ending in “3” or “4.” The products were produced Jan. 1, 2013 through Jan. 7, 2014 and shipped to distribution centers and retail establishments nationwide.
FSIS has received no reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that recalled product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at: at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
Consumers and members of the media who have questions about the recall can contact the plant’s Quality Control manager, Scott Parks, at (707) 762-6651.
Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.
Update: Second investigation launched into Rancho Feeding Corp.
By ROBERT DIGITALE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
http://www.petaluma360.com/article/20140211/COMMUNITY/140219907/-1/community?p=1&tc=pg
Published: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 4:50 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 4:50 p.m.
A second office within the US Department of Agriculture has begun investigating a Petaluma slaughterhouse that has temporarily ceased operations while recalling a year's worth of processed beef, the agency reported Tuesday.
“USDA's Office of the Inspector General is conducting an ongoing investigation into Rancho Feeding Corporation,” said a statement released Tuesday by the agency's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The statement noted that the administrator over the inspection service had separately “directed an immediate and thorough examination of the firm's practices, procedures and management.”
The 39-word statement was the most detailed to date on the agency's investigation of the North Bay's last remaining beef processing facility.
On Saturday the USDA announced that Rancho had initiated a recall of 8.7 million pounds of beef, essentially all the meat the company had processed in 2013.
In its news release, the agency asserted that Rancho “processed diseased and unsound animals” without a full inspection. The meat products are “unsound, unwholesome or otherwise are unfit for human food” and must be removed from commerce.
There are no reports of anyone becoming ill after eating the beef.
Robert Singleton, who owns Rancho with partner Jesse “Babe” Amaral, on Monday confirmed the company had voluntarily ceased processing and was compiling a list of affected companies. Singleton said the company undertook the recall out of “an abundance of caution” but declined comment on the government's allegations.
Other than the news release Saturday and the statement on Tuesday, officials with the US Department of Agriculture have declined to elaborate on the underlying reasons for the recall or the breadth of their investigation.
The recall affects all beef processed at Rancho between Jan. 1, 2013, and Jan. 7, 2014, a USDA spokesman said. The carcasses and other parts, commonly referred to as offal, were shipped to retailers and distributors in California, Florida, Illinois and Texas.
Last month the USDA announced that Rancho was recalling 41,683 pounds of meat produced on Jan. 8. The agency asserted that the meat didn't receive a full federal inspection.
You can reach Staff Writer Robert Digitale at 521-5285 or robert.digitale@pressdemocrat.com.
FOOD BUSINESS NEWS
California meat processor recalling a year’s production
2/10/2014 - by Keith Nunes http://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/news_home/Food_Safety_News/2014/02/California_meat_processor_reca.aspx?ID={39E6BB5C-DD5F-4312-8CB2-0F1768DF1FA3}
PETALUMA, CALIF. — Rancho Feeding Corp., a small California meat processor, is recalling all beef products processed between Jan. 1, 2013, to Jan. 7, 2014. The total amount is estimated to be in the range of 8.7 million lbs of product.
The recalled products were distributed to California, Florida, Illinois and Texas.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said the recall was initiated because an investigation discovered the beef was processed without “the full benefit” federal inspection. Meat and poultry products that are shipped across state lines in the U.S. must be produced under federal inspection.
On Jan. 13, Rancho Feeding Corp. initiated a recall of 41,000 lbs of meat products that were produced without federal inspection on Jan. 8. A subsequent investigation by the F.S.I.S. revealed the issue to be much larger.
No illnesses have been associated with the recalled products, according to the F.S.I.S.
Chick-fil-A plans to only use antibiotic free chickens
NEW YORK TIMESBusiness Day
Chick-fil-A Commits to Stop Sales of Poultry Raised With Antibiotics
By STEPHANIE STROMFEB. 11, 2014
Chick-fil-A said on Tuesday that within five years it would no longer sell products containing meat from chickens raised with antibiotics.
The company said consumer demand was responsible for the change. “We have an ongoing process of constantly monitoring what our consumers prefer in terms of health and nutrition and what’s in our food, and this issue surfaced as the No. 1 issue for our customers,” said Tim Tassopoulos, executive vice president for operations at Chick-fil-A.
A growing number of restaurant chains, including Chipotle and Panera Bread, have made commitments to serve meat only from animals raised without antibiotics, and consumers have responded enthusiastically.
The trend exemplified what Daymon Worldwide, a consulting firm that works with the food industry and others, has identified as “free-from,” a quest among consumers for pure and simple products, free of preservatives, highly processed ingredients and anything artificial.
Subway announced last week that it would eliminate azodicarbonamide, a chemical that commercial bakers use to increase the strength and pliancy of dough, but, as noted by the consumer crusader Vani Hari, is also used for the same purposes in yoga mats and shoe soles.
And on Tuesday, Kraft said it was taking sorbic acid, an artificial preservative that had come under attack by consumers, out of some individually wrapped cheese slices.
Those were among dozens of product changes announced by major food companies in the last year. “All of this is makes for great P.R., but it doesn’t mean the products are necessarily any more nutritious,” said Michele Simon, a public health lawyer who writes the blog eatdrinkpolitics.com
Ms. Simon said that Chick-fil-A’s decision was different because antibiotic resistance is such an important issue. “This doesn’t make fried chicken nuggets good for you, but given the public health crisis caused by the practice of giving animals antibiotics, I think this is an important decision,” she said.
Concern is growing among public health officials about the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Last fall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the first time quantified the toll such resistance is taking, estimating that at least two million Americans fall ill and at least 23,000 die from it each year.
The C.D.C. report said that “much of antibiotic use in animals is unnecessary and inappropriate and makes everyone less safe.” Then in December, the Food and Drug Administration announced a plan to curtail the use of antibiotics in animals.
Meat producers use antibiotics to prevent sickness in animals that are raised in close quarters in industrial farming operations. Chickens are treated, for example, with a small dose of gentamicin while still in ovo in an effort to prevent infection through a tiny hole made when the egg is administered a drug that prevents Marek’s disease and infectious bursal disease, highly infectious viral diseases that can wipe out flocks.
Antibiotics also are incorporated into feed commonly used by large producers to help animals grow faster and use feed more efficiently.
But producers are aware of the consumer demand for antibiotic-free meat. Bell & Evans, a smaller producer, has worked with its feed supplier to incorporate oregano into the kibble it feeds its chickens to act as a replacement for antibiotics, and Tyson last year started a line of chicken marketed under the label NatureRaised Farm, which is raised cage-free on a vegetarian diet without antibiotics.
Chick-fil-A already uses chicken breasts free from fillers, additives and steroids.
Rob Dugas, vice president for supply chain management at Chick-fil-A, said the shift would take time because it required changes by producers from the hatchery to the processing plant. “For instance, any flock treated with antibiotics today is aggregated into the larger production facility,” Mr. Dugas said. “For us, birds will have to be segregated all the way down to the egg production.”
Chick-fil-A executives said they could not say yet whether the changes would result in a price increase for consumers. Typically, antibiotic-free chicken is more expensive than traditionally processed poultry.
“We do know that it has a potential cost ramification, both to us and to our customers,” Mr. Tassopoulos said. “We are going to do everything we can to minimize the impact on the price of our products, and the growing interest in antibiotic-free meat may help with that by increasing
supplies.”
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